Aborto infeccioso por Neospora spp. em equino ˗ relato de caso / [Neospora spp infectious abortion in the horse ˗ case report]

O abortamento na espécie equina é responsável por grandes perdas econômicas e, entre as possíveis causas, está a neosporose, uma enfermidade que nem sempre é investigada como provável diagnóstico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso de aborto equino aos 129 dias de gestação, resultante da infecção por Neospora spp.. Amostras sanguíneas da égua e do feto abortado foram enviadas para um laboratório especializado. À necrópsia, constatou-se edema gelatinoso e hemorrágico em subcutâneo, fígado ictérico e friável com autólise de alguns órgãos, como baço, rins e glândulas adrenais. Fragmentos dos órgãos coletados na necrópsia foram submetidos à histopatologia e à pesquisa de agentes infecciosos, em que se identificou hepatite e epicardite não purulentas e onfalite purulenta, bem como exame positivo para Neospora spp. pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) convencional e Nested. O soro sanguíneo obtido da égua foi submetido à pesquisa de Neospora spp. pela técnica de imunofluorescência indireta, de herpesvírus por soroneutralização em cultura de células e de Leptospira sp. por PCR, todas com resultados negativos. Dessa forma, é importante considerar a neosporose como diagnóstico diferencial em casos de abortamento e natimortalidade, uma vez que a presença de cães nas propriedades é extremamente comum, representando uma importante fonte de infecção.(AU)

Abortion in the equine species is responsible for major economic losses, and among the possible causes is neosporosis, a disease that is not always investigated as a probable diagnosis. Thus, the objective of this study was to report an abortion at 129 days of gestation resulting from Neospora spp. Blood samples from the mare and the aborted fetus were sent to a specialized laboratory. Under necropsy, gelatinous and hemorrhagic edema was detected in subcutaneous tissue, friable and jaundiced liver with autolysis in spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands. Fragments of the organs collected at necropsy were submitted to histopathology and infectious agent tests, which identified non-purulent hepatitis and epicarditis and purulent omphalitis. Also, a positive result for Neospora spp. by the conventional and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Blood serum obtained from the mare was subjected to analyses to Neospora spp. by indirect immunofluorescence technique, herpesvirus by serum neutralization in cell culture and Leptospira sp. by PCR, all with negative results. Thus, it is important to consider neosporosis as a differential diagnosis in cases of abortion and stillbirth, since the presence of dogs in the properties is extremely common and represent an important source of infection.(AU)

Aborto infeccioso por Neospora spp. em equino - relato de caso / [Neospora spp infectious abortion in the horse - case report]

O abortamento na espécie equina é responsável por grandes perdas econômicas e, entre as possíveis causas, está a neosporose, uma enfermidade que nem sempre é investigada como provável diagnóstico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso de aborto equino aos 129 dias de gestação, resultante da infecção por Neospora spp.. Amostras sanguíneas da égua e do feto abortado foram enviadas para um laboratório especializado. À necrópsia, constatou-se edema gelatinoso e hemorrágico em subcutâneo, fígado ictérico e friável com autólise de alguns órgãos, como baço, rins e glândulas adrenais. Fragmentos dos órgãos coletados na necrópsia foram submetidos à histopatologia e à pesquisa de agentes infecciosos, em que se identificou hepatite e epicardite não purulentas e onfalite purulenta, bem como exame positivo para Neospora spp. pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) convencional e Nested. O soro sanguíneo obtido da égua foi submetido à pesquisa de Neospora spp. pela técnica de imunofluorescência indireta, de herpesvírus por soroneutralização em cultura de células e de Leptospira sp. por PCR, todas com resultados negativos. Dessa forma, é importante considerar a neosporose como diagnóstico diferencial em casos de abortamento e natimortalidade, uma vez que a presença de cães nas propriedades é extremamente comum, representando uma importante fonte de infecção.(AU)

Abortion in the equine species is responsible for major economic losses, and among the possible causes is neosporosis, a disease that is not always investigated as a probable diagnosis. Thus, the objective of this study was to report an abortion at 129 days of gestation resulting from Neospora spp. Blood samples from the mare and the aborted fetus were sent to a specialized laboratory. Under necropsy, gelatinous and hemorrhagic edema was detected in subcutaneous tissue, friable and jaundiced liver with autolysis in spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands. Fragments of the organs collected at necropsy were submitted to histopathology and infectious agent tests, which identified non-purulent hepatitis and epicarditis and purulent omphalitis. Also, a positive result for Neospora spp. by the conventional and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Blood serum obtained from the mare was subjected to analyses to Neospora spp. by indirect immunofluorescence technique, herpesvirus by serum neutralization in cell culture and Leptospira sp. by PCR, all with negative results. Thus, it is important to consider neosporosis as a differential diagnosis in cases of abortion and stillbirth, since the presence of dogs in the properties is extremely common and represent an important source of infection.(AU)

Mammary botryomycosis: two concomitant cases in mares: case report / Botriomicose mamária: dois casos concomitantes em éguas: relato de caso

Mammary disorders in mares are rare and usually only one animal per paddock is affected. In this report, two mares with 7 and 9 years old, were concomitantly diagnosis of chronic pyogranulomatous mastitis, associated with the Splendore-Hoeppli reaction, indicative of botryomycosis a rare, chronic suppurative disease with microabscess formation, characterized by in vivo formation of eosinophilic materials around microorganisms or biologically inert material. Various bacteria can cause botryomycosis in horses, and the most frequently isolated one is Staphylococcussp., particularly S. aureus. This report confirms the role of Staphylococcus sp.; however, specifically S. hyicus and S. cohnii that prior to the current report, had not been associated with cases of botryomycosis.(AU)

Enfermidades mamárias em éguas são raras e, normalmente, apenas um animal é afetado. Neste relato, duas éguas, de sete e nove anos, foram diagnosticadas concomitantemente com mastite crônica piogranulomatosa, associada com reação de Splendore - Hoeppli, indicativa de botriomicose, uma doença crônica supurativa rara, com formação de microabscessos caracterizados pela presença de material eosinofílico em torno dos microrganismos ou de material biologicamente inerte. Várias bactérias podem causar botriomicose em cavalos, sendo Staphylococcus sp., particularmente S. aureus, as mais frequentemente isoladas. Este relato confirma o papel do Staphylococcus sp, no entanto este é o primeiro relato em que S. hyicus e S. cohnii foram identificados em lesões relacionadas à botriomicose.(AU)

Mammary botryomycosis: two concomitant cases in mares: case report / Botriomicose mamária: dois casos concomitantes em éguas: relato de caso

Mammary disorders in mares are rare and usually only one animal per paddock is affected. In this report, two mares with 7 and 9 years old, were concomitantly diagnosis of chronic pyogranulomatous mastitis, associated with the Splendore-Hoeppli reaction, indicative of botryomycosis a rare, chronic suppurative disease with microabscess formation, characterized by in vivo formation of eosinophilic materials around microorganisms or biologically inert material. Various bacteria can cause botryomycosis in horses, and the most frequently isolated one is Staphylococcussp., particularly S. aureus. This report confirms the role of Staphylococcus sp.; however, specifically S. hyicus and S. cohnii that prior to the current report, had not been associated with cases of botryomycosis.(AU)

Enfermidades mamárias em éguas são raras e, normalmente, apenas um animal é afetado. Neste relato, duas éguas, de sete e nove anos, foram diagnosticadas concomitantemente com mastite crônica piogranulomatosa, associada com reação de Splendore - Hoeppli, indicativa de botriomicose, uma doença crônica supurativa rara, com formação de microabscessos caracterizados pela presença de material eosinofílico em torno dos microrganismos ou de material biologicamente inerte. Várias bactérias podem causar botriomicose em cavalos, sendo Staphylococcus sp., particularmente S. aureus, as mais frequentemente isoladas. Este relato confirma o papel do Staphylococcus sp, no entanto este é o primeiro relato em que S. hyicus e S. cohnii foram identificados em lesões relacionadas à botriomicose.(AU)

Factors affecting gestational length in the Mangalarga Paulista breed

The Mangalarga Paulista is a Brazilian horse breed that originated from a cross between Andalusian and Alter Real horses, and despite its national importance, no data exist regarding their gestational length. This study was conducted to determine the variation in gestation length and the influence of factors such as the sex of the foal, maternal age and parity, stallion and mating period. Retrospectively, data from 208 gestations of Mangalarga Paulista foals located in Piracaia, SP, Brazil, during the period from 1991 to 2012 were analyzed. The mean gestational length was 343.08 ± 0.66 days, with a range between 317 and 404 days. Gestation of mares carrying colts had a tendency to be longer than mares carrying fillies. Maternal parity significantly affected gestational length, with longer gestation for primiparous mares until the third gestation, shorter pregnancies between 4th and 8th gestation, and longer thereafter. Regarding mating period, mares that were mated at the end of the breeding season (January and February) had shorter pregnancies (P < 0.05). These results are of significant clinical and economic relevance for the equine industry, so that the monitoring of gestation and parturition can be performed effectively.

Factors affecting gestational length in the Mangalarga Paulista breed

The Mangalarga Paulista is a Brazilian horse breed that originated from a cross between Andalusian and Alter Real horses, and despite its national importance, no data exist regarding their gestational length. This study was conducted to determine the variation in gestation length and the influence of factors such as the sex of the foal, maternal age and parity, stallion and mating period. Retrospectively, data from 208 gestations of Mangalarga Paulista foals located in Piracaia, SP, Brazil, during the period from 1991 to 2012 were analyzed. The mean gestational length was 343.08 ± 0.66 days, with a range between 317 and 404 days. Gestation of mares carrying colts had a tendency to be longer than mares carrying fillies. Maternal parity significantly affected gestational length, with longer gestation for primiparous mares until the third gestation, shorter pregnancies between 4th and 8th gestation, and longer thereafter. Regarding mating period, mares that were mated at the end of the breeding season (January and February) had shorter pregnancies (P < 0.05). These results are of significant clinical and economic relevance for the equine industry, so that the monitoring of gestation and parturition can be performed effectively.(AU)

Criopreservação do sêmen equino: uma revisão / Cryopreservation of equine semen: a review

A criopreservação de sêmen equino tem se difundido cada vez em território nacional. Os processos de congelação e descongelação levam a efeitos deletérios sobre o espermatozoide, diminuindo sua taxa de motilidade e vigor e, consequentemente, influenciando sua morfologia. Estudos vêm sendo realizados em busca do melhor crioprotetor ou associação de crioprotetores para minimizar os danos sofridos sobre os espermatozoides equinos. Nesta revisão de literatura, foram explorados aspectos fundamentais para a criopreservação do sêmen equino, com ênfase para choque térmico, composição de membrana plasmática, efeitos da congelação de diluidores e, principalmente, de crioprotetores. (AU)

Cryopreservation of equine semen is becoming more widespread in the country, but the process of freezing and thawing leads some deleterious effects on sperm, thereby decreasing its rate of motility and strength, that influences in the morphology of sperm. Therefore, studies are being conducted looking for the best cryoprotectant or combination of cryoprotectants to minimize the damage on sperm horses. In this literature review were explored key aspects for the cryopreservation of equine semen, highlighting the issues, thermal shock, the composition of the plasma membrane, effects of freezing extenders, mainly cryoprotectants. (AU)

Criopreservação do sêmen equino: uma revisão / Cryopreservation of equine semen: a review

A criopreservação de sêmen equino tem se difundido cada vez em território nacional. Os processos de congelação e descongelação levam a efeitos deletérios sobre o espermatozoide, diminuindo sua taxa de motilidade e vigor e, consequentemente, influenciando sua morfologia. Estudos vêm sendo realizados em busca do melhor crioprotetor ou associação de crioprotetores para minimizar os danos sofridos sobre os espermatozoides equinos. Nesta revisão de literatura, foram explorados aspectos fundamentais para a criopreservação do sêmen equino, com ênfase para choque térmico, composição de membrana plasmática, efeitos da congelação de diluidores e, principalmente, de crioprotetores.

Cryopreservation of equine semen is becoming more widespread in the country, but the process of freezing and thawing leads some deleterious effects on sperm, thereby decreasing its rate of motility and strength, that influences in the morphology of sperm. Therefore, studies are being conducted looking for the best cryoprotectant or combination of cryoprotectants to minimize the damage on sperm horses. In this literature review were explored key aspects for the cryopreservation of equine semen, highlighting the issues, thermal shock, the composition of the plasma membrane, effects of freezing extenders, mainly cryoprotectants.

Monitoring of the last third of gestation and peripartum disorders

Pregnancy is a dynamic process that extends from conception to birth. Optimal conditions during this period of life are necessary to ensure successful intrauterine fetal development and to guarantee survival capacity of the offspring in the external environment. Thus, the improvement of current models of gestational and neonatal assessment, and development of new methodologies should aim to predict the outcome of pregnancy for both mother and newborn. This review aims to explore with a logical and sequential approach, the main diseases that affect the pre , intra and postnatal periods in the mare, so that the prevention or reduction of perinatal injuries can be achieved successfully.

Monitoring of the last third of gestation and peripartum disorders

Pregnancy is a dynamic process that extends from conception to birth. Optimal conditions during this period of life are necessary to ensure successful intrauterine fetal development and to guarantee survival capacity of the offspring in the external environment. Thus, the improvement of current models of gestational and neonatal assessment, and development of new methodologies should aim to predict the outcome of pregnancy for both mother and newborn. This review aims to explore with a logical and sequential approach, the main diseases that affect the pre , intra and postnatal periods in the mare, so that the prevention or reduction of perinatal injuries can be achieved successfully.(AU)

In vitro production of bovine embryos using Sigma antioxidant supplement®, tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid

This study tested the effect of Sigma antioxidant supplement®, α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the culture medium of bovine embryos. In experiment 1, in vitro produced bovine zygotes were cultured in Human Tubal Fluid (HTF): Eagles Basic Medium (BME) with: Group 1 50 µm vitamin C; Group 2 200 µm vitamin E; Group 3 25 µm vitamin C and 100 µm vitamin E; Group 4 1 µl/ml Sigma antioxidant supplement®; and the Control group HTF:BME only. In experiment 2, embryos were cultured in high or low oxygen tension with HTF:BME + Sigma antioxidant supplement® or in HTF:BME alone (Control). The data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukeys test. The results of experiment 1 showed a negative effect (P < 0.05) of vitamin E on blastocyst production in Group 2 (19.7 ± 0.1%). This effect was reduced in Group 3 by the addition of vitamin C (26.1 ± 0.2%). The use of vitamin C alone (34.9 ± 0.3%) or the Sigma antioxidant supplement® (33.3 ± 0.7%) did not increase (P > 0.05) the number of blastocysts produced compared with the control group (30.1 ± 0.5%). During experiment 2, there was no effect (P > 0.05) from the culture medium or the O2 concentrations used, indicating that the reduction of the O2 concentration did not improve blastocyst production.(AU)

In vitro production of bovine embryos using Sigma antioxidant supplement®, tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid

This study tested the effect of Sigma antioxidant supplement®, α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the culture medium of bovine embryos. In experiment 1, in vitro produced bovine zygotes were cultured in Human Tubal Fluid (HTF): Eagle’s Basic Medium (BME) with: Group 1 – 50 µm vitamin C; Group 2 – 200 µm vitamin E; Group 3 – 25 µm vitamin C and 100 µm vitamin E; Group 4 – 1 µl/ml Sigma antioxidant supplement®; and the Control group – HTF:BME only. In experiment 2, embryos were cultured in high or low oxygen tension with HTF:BME + Sigma antioxidant supplement® or in HTF:BME alone (Control). The data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. The results of experiment 1 showed a negative effect (P 0.05) the number of blastocysts produced compared with the control group (30.1 ± 0.5%). During experiment 2, there was no effect (P > 0.05) from the culture medium or the O2 concentrations used, indicating that the reduction of the O2 concentration did not improve blastocyst production.

New assisted reproductive technologies applied to the horse industry: successes and limitations

The development of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) in the horse has been slow compared with that in other large domestic animals. Besides artificial insemination and embryo transfer, other technologies based on in vivo and in vitro procedures of embryo production (IVP) have appeared, but the success rates of equine IVP are still far from allowing their use in routine protocols. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is one of the most promising techniques applicable to the horse industry. With ICSI just one spermatozoon is injected into a mature oocyte, allowing the use of poor quality semen that could not otherwise be used for artificial insemination. Moreover, ICSI, followed by in vitro culture to the blastocyst stage, may be used in cases where multiple oocytes are available (e.g. when oocytes are obtained post-mortem). Those are just some examples to highlight the importance of ICSI in preserving genetic material. Cloning by Nuclear transfer (NT) can also be used for salvaging valuable equine genetics. The cloning process utilizing somatic cells is a powerful instrument for the preservation of animals with a unique genotype. Although recent reports on horse cloning show that it can be performed relatively efficiently, compared with other species, blastocyst production and thus live foal production is still low with this technique.(AU)

New assisted reproductive technologies applied to the horse industry: successes and limitations

The development of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) in the horse has been slow compared with that in other large domestic animals. Besides artificial insemination and embryo transfer, other technologies based on in vivo and in vitro procedures of embryo production (IVP) have appeared, but the success rates of equine IVP are still far from allowing their use in routine protocols. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is one of the most promising techniques applicable to the horse industry. With ICSI just one spermatozoon is injected into a mature oocyte, allowing the use of poor quality semen that could not otherwise be used for artificial insemination. Moreover, ICSI, followed by in vitro culture to the blastocyst stage, may be used in cases where multiple oocytes are available (e.g. when oocytes are obtained post-mortem). Those are just some examples to highlight the importance of ICSI in preserving genetic material. Cloning by Nuclear transfer (NT) can also be used for salvaging valuable equine genetics. The cloning process utilizing somatic cells is a powerful instrument for the preservation of animals with a unique genotype. Although recent reports on horse cloning show that it can be performed relatively efficiently, compared with other species, blastocyst production and thus live foal production is still low with this technique.